Variable discharge mechanism for hopper spreader apparatus

Abstract

A variable discharge mechanism for a hopper spreader apparatus includes first and second flow control members that allow varying the discharge rate by providing relative rotation between flow gate members to adjust the size of a delivery opening and thus the discharge volume flow rate. The distribution pattern can be changed by changing the location of the delivery opening with respect to an axis extending in the direction of travel of the vehicle.

1. A variable discharge mechanism for a hopper spreader apparatus including a hopper having a discharge outlet for dispensing particulate material; and a spinner carried by a drive shaft, the spinner located adjacent to the discharge outlet for distributing material dispensed from the hopper, said variable discharge mechanism comprising:
 a flow gate assembly including first and second flow gate members each having a discharge aperture therethrough, said first and second flow gate members interposed between the discharge outlet of the hopper and the spinner, said first flow gate member overlying said second flow gate member and said first and second flow gate members aligned so that said discharge aperture in said first flow gate member at least partially overlaps a portion of the discharge aperture of said second flow gate member, defining a delivery opening interposed between the discharge opening of the hopper and the spinner, and said first and second flow gate members mounted for relative angular movement independently of one another to different relative positions to adjust the size of said delivery opening to a desired setting, wherein said flow gate assembly includes a locking member carried by one of said flow gate members, said locking member extending through an aperture in said first flow gate member, said locking member being operatable between locking and release positions, said locking member having an engaging portion moved into engagement with said second flow gate member when said locking member is operated to said locking position to lock together said first and second flow gate members in any of said positions, allowing said first and second flow gate members to be rotated as a unit to reposition the delivery opening that is defined by said first and second flow gate members with respect to the spinner while maintaining the desired setting for the delivery opening. 
 
   
   
     2. The variable discharge mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein said first and second flow gate members are adapted for rotational movement independently of one another to vary the size of said delivery opening defined by said first and second flow gate members, thereby varying the discharge volume flow rate for the material. 
   
   
     3. The variable discharge mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein the hopper spreader apparatus is adapted for mounting on a vehicle, and wherein said first and second flow gate members are adapted to change the location of the delivery opening with respect to an axis extending in the direction of travel of the vehicle, thereby changing the distribution pattern for the material. 
   
   
     4. The variable discharge mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said flow gate members includes a handle to facilitate relative angular positioning of said first and second flow gate members. 
   
   
     5. The variable discharge mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein each of said first and second flow gate members includes a handle to facilitate relative positioning of said flow gate members. 
   
   
     6. The variable discharge mechanism according to  claim 5 , wherein said handles provide a reference indicative of the relative size of said delivery opening defined by said first and second flow gate members. 
   
   
     7. The variable discharge mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein the hopper spreader apparatus is adapted for mounting on a vehicle, and wherein said first and second flow gate members are repositionable as a unit to locate said delivery opening to either side of an axis extending in the direction of travel of the vehicle. 
   
   
     8. The variable discharge mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein said discharge aperture of each of said flow gate members is generally arcuate in shape. 
   
   
     9. The variable discharge mechanism according to  claim 8 , wherein said discharge aperture of said first flow gate member is substantially identical in size and shape with said discharge aperture of said second flow gate member. 
   
   
     10. The variable discharge mechanism according to  claim 8 , wherein at least one of said flow gate members includes a handle to facilitate relative movement of said first and second flow gate members. 
   
   
     11. The variable discharge mechanism according to  claim 8 , wherein each of said first and second flow gate members includes a handle to facilitate relative movement of said first and second flow gate members. 
   
   
     12. The variable discharge mechanism according to  claim 11 , wherein said handles of said first and second flow gate members provide a reference indicative of the relative size of said delivery opening. 
   
   
     13. The variable discharge mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein said locking member includes a locking pin carried by said one flow gate member. 
   
   
     14. The variable discharge mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein each flow gate member is a paddle-like member including a body portion and an elongated handle, said body portion generally circular in shape with said handle projecting outwardly from the body portion. 
   
   
     15. The variable discharge mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein each flow gate member is a paddle-like member including a body portion and a handle, said body portion generally circular in shape, said handle being elongated, generally rectangular in shape and projecting outwardly from the body portion with a longitudinal axis offset with respect to the diameter of the circular body portion. 
   
   
     16. The variable discharge mechanism according to  claim 15 , wherein said second flow gate member has mirror image symmetry with respect to said first flow gate member.